Begun Basanti aka Bengali Begun Bashonti

Begun Basanti is a popular Bengali-style brinjal curry that is a delightful balance of sweet and sour. The base of the dish is a combination of mustard and yogurt, and the main ingredient is eggplant aka brinjal. We cook Begun Bashonti in a way that brings out the natural sweetness of the eggplant and then balanced with the tartness of the mustard and yogurt. It is a delicious and hearty dish that is sure to please any palate.

Jump to:

• Bengali Vegeterian Spread
• Begun Basanti
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Begun Basanti vs. Shorshe Begun!
• Ingredients
• Process
• Variations
• Top Tip
• Related
• Pairing - a meal suggestion including Begun Basanti
• Here's how I make Begun Basanti at Debjanir Rannaghar!
• Recipe Card
• Begun Basanti Recipe Video
• Bengali Vegetarian Recipes from Debjanir Rannaghar!
• Have you tried the Begun Basanti recipe from Debjanir Rannaghar!
• Here's the Bengali Begun Bashonti Recipe Pin for your Pinterest Board!

Bengali Vegeterian Spread

Ah, Saturdays! The bane of my childhood, was when I was growing up in a Central Calcutta household. Every Saturday, it was the same - an unappetizing spread of Borir Jhal, Borar jhal, Dhokar Dalna, Begun Basanti, and other vegetarian dishes that made me shudder. But as I got older and moved away from home to live independently in a place with easier access to non-veg food items - I slowly started to appreciate those same dishes that had once been so unpalatable to me. Nowadays, I can look forward to Saturday meals full of Thor Ghonto, Helenchar Bora, Thankuni pata bata, Polta Patar Bora, and Borar Ambol with relish!

Begun Basanti

As you are already here on this particular post, you already know what this post is about. Yes, I am going to write about Begun Basanti. Oh, let me write like a bong, Begun Bashonti! I have always been fascinated by the name of this dish and the flavourful ingredients used to make it. I remember asking my mother one day why it was called Begun Basanti. Her answer was quite funny. She said that Begun Basanti is a combination of two words, Begun meaning eggplant and Basanti meaning yellow. The eggplant is cooked in a yellow-colored gravy made from a mixture of mustard paste and yogurt, and the color of the gravy is similar to the color of a Basanti saree. She further said that if one imagines the eggplant wearing a Basanti saree, it would be easier to understand why this dish is called Begun Basanti.

Frequently Asked Questions

Begun Basanti vs. Shorshe Begun!

Every day, the aroma of freshly cooked vegetables wafted through the halls of our home. Mammam, my aunt, a widow since her husband's passing, upheld a traditional custom in which she only ate vegetarian food - or satvik food. Saturdays were reserved for special meals; Mammam always prepared Shorshe Begun and the entire family gathered around to savour its deliciousness. On other days too, we were treated to exquisite Bagun Basanti delicacies - even though it was not a regular occurrence. I never quite understood why widows had to adhere to this custom but I've come to appreciate the flavourful vegetarian dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation within our family.

Ingredients

Ah, the sweet and savory aroma of Bagun Basanti wafting through the air! This special dish was made for special occasions back home; a hearty blend of mustard paste, Tok Doi and Hing with green chilies to add flavor. In winter months, green peas were added to make it even more scrumptious. A thick gravy cooked with yogurt, mustard paste and added green peas, the long-fried eggplant cooked with this flavorful concoction truly makes it a magical experience. No overpowering spices needed; just some chilli powder, turmeric, salt and sugar is all you need for this delectable fare!

Process

Begun Basanti is a traditional dish prepared for special occasions back home. It is a simple Brinjal curry in a thick, richly sweet, and sour gravy, cooked with a combination of mustard paste and yogurt, and green chilies.

Variations

During the winter season, we add some green peas to the dish. This is to give it a unique flavor and to make it extra special.

Related

Pairing - a meal suggestion including Begun Basanti

You can pair begun basanti with steamed rice and a few dishes as suggested below

Here's how I make Begun Basanti at Debjanir Rannaghar!

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Recipe Card

Begun Basanti Recipe Video

Have you tried the Begun Basanti recipe from Debjanir Rannaghar!

Do let me know how it came out. Also, I would love to see a picture of the same which you can share here at dolonchttrj@gmail.com. Meanwhile, on Instagram, you can use my hashtag #debjanirrannaghar and in addition, you can tag me at @foodofdebjani.

Here's the Bengali Begun Bashonti Recipe Pin for your Pinterest Board!